Player Updates

Richards (elbow) was transferred to the 60-day disabled list Tuesday, Jeff Fletcher of the Southern California News Group reports.

This won't have an impact on his timetable as Richards will likely remain sidelined through the 2019 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery a week ago. This will free up 40-man roster spots for the recently acquired Ty Buttrey and Williams Jerez.

Richards (Tommy John surgery) is aiming to return for the 2020 season, Fabian Ardaya of The Athletic Los Angeles reports.

The Angels' ace is set to undergo the procedure on July 24, after which point Richards will embark on the lengthy rehab process that accompanies Tommy John surgery. The timing of Richards' injury is particularly unfortunate as he'll not only miss the remainder of 2018, but early reports suggest that a return during the 2019 season is unlikely as well. If that remains the case, Richards will have plenty of time to get his arm in peak shape heading into the 2020 season.

After an MRI revealed damage in his UCL, Richards has decided to eschew the rest-and-rehab route this time and undergo Tommy John surgery. With that, the Angels will be without their staff ace for likely at least one calendar year while Richards rehabs his repaired pitching elbow.

The Angels acted quickly to move Richards to the DL a day after he exited his start against the Mariners with UCL damage in his right elbow. It hasn't been determined if Richards will require surgery to address the matter, but it's expected that he'll face an extended absence regardless of how he elects to treat the injury. The Angels recalled Deck McGuire from Triple-A Salt Lake in a corresponding move and could slot him into the rotation when Richards' next turn comes up Sunday against the Dodgers.

Richards has not yet decided whether or not to undergo surgery. The extent of the damage is not clear, nor is the timeline on any alternative care plan, but given that surgery is being considered as a possibility, the outlook doesn't look good, especially for someone with a history of elbow injuries like Richards.